I start out the D5 by going over 3 ways to read a book. I will use the following digital anchor chart to explain this concept. I have all kinds of reading levels mixed into one class as many of you do. Until I know their reading levels I demonstrate the 3 different ways to read a book. This makes the ones that are struggling more confident to actually attempt to read. The sisters suggest demonstrating how to read the pictures & read the words on day one. The next day you will demonstrate how to retell the story that was read the day before. You want to chose a book where the pictures closely math the words. On the second day we will go over the 3 ways to read & also the above chart. I will demonstrate the right & wrong way to act during "Read to Self". Providing a visual of the right & wrong model is key. I also through in a lot of dramatic praise when I see improvement in stamina. This is a picture I will show my … [Read more...] about Daily 5 Chapter 4 Book Study & a TON of freebies!
Chicago Area Blogger Meet Up
FINALLY...FINALLY....FINALLY a Chicagoland blogger meet-up! Eek! I'm so excited to meet the ladies from Lesson Plan SOS! We would love to meet up with you. It doesn’t matter if you do or don’t have a blog! If you are a teacher and a reader, we would love to have you join us for a late lunch/early dinner! If you are interested, please email Melissa and Nicole at: teachers (at) lessonplansos (dot) com We will send you an Evite for the blogger meet up! If you are in Indiana or Illinois leave me a comment if you will be able to join us! I am going to Blogher '12!!!!! Are you going??? I can't wait to meet some of my cyber BFF blogging buddies in person! I am bringing my mom with me....shopping, shopping, shopping....YIPPEE! Leave me a comment if you are going so we can plan a NYC get together! … [Read more...] about Chicago Area Blogger Meet Up
Currently……..July
I can't believe I have never found the time to link up with Farley's currently. Such a fun & fabulous idea! Here we go I only have 10 minutes before True Blood starts............. P.S. I went to see Magic Mike yesterday.............O.....M....G! I am so in love with Channing Tatum! … [Read more...] about Currently……..July
Daily 5 Chapter 3 Book Study
Melissa Freshwater from Mrs. Freshwater's Class & Jana from Thinking Out Loud are hosting Chapter 3 of our book study. If you choose to participate through your blog please link back to the chapter hostesses. Establishing a Gathering Place: Part of D5 is establishing a gathering place in your classroom. The space above is my classroom library where we gather when I don't use anything digital. I am not one to have big anchor charts, I use them but they are digital & displayed on my Smartboard. When I am using my Smartboard the gathering place is at their seats. I will pull up certain anchor charts through my Smartboard or simply through them on my Elmo or Luna Projector. With the way technology is going I don't feel the need to waste the paper on an anchor chart BUT there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with doing that...I just don't have the space. This is the only picture I could find of my calendar area. This will be changing … [Read more...] about Daily 5 Chapter 3 Book Study
Daily 5 Chapter 2 & Memories of My Beloved Nephew
I'd first like to share a photo of my beloved nephew, Jordan Robert, who we buried yesterday. The days seemed to have rolled together this week being put through such a tragedy. I am finding comfort in knowing that Jordan is now in my brother's (his father) arms on Father's Day. Jordan was a kind & gentle soul who taught me so many things in his time on Earth. I want to be more "Jordan-like" and be strong for those around me. Being a strong person emotionally is not my thing, but I am really trying. Last Father's Day my grandfather went into a coma. The anniversary of his death was June 20th, 11 years to the DAY of my grammie's death. He started to have her come to him in his dreams & he took it upon himself to make his own arrangements a week before he died. He had 5 daughters who he didn't want to have to deal with all of that as well as the grief of losing him, he just knew it was his time. Unfortunately, none of us were prepared for Jordan's death … [Read more...] about Daily 5 Chapter 2 & Memories of My Beloved Nephew
Sad News for my family
Due to a very sudden & tragic death in my family I could not post about Chapter 2.....yet. My 27 year old nephew passed away suddenly on Father's Day. I am having a really hard time with it. My oldest brother was his father who also passed away before Jordan was born. Please keep my family in your thoughts as this will be the most difficult thing I've have ever gone through. I will do my best to post about Chapter 2 this weekend. My apologies. … [Read more...] about Sad News for my family